How Duncan Robinson Paved the Way for the Miami Heat’s Acquisition of Norman Powell

The Miami Heat’s acquisition of Norman Powell in a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz during the 2025 NBA offseason marked a significant step toward revitalizing their offense. The trade, finalized on July 7, 2025, saw Powell head to Miami, John Collins move to the Clippers, and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and a 2027 second-round pick go to the Jazz. While Powell’s arrival was a clear win for the Heat, the trade’s roots can be traced to an earlier move: the departure of Duncan Robinson to the Detroit Pistons. Robinson, Miami’s all-time leader in three-point makes, indirectly set the stage for this blockbuster deal, and his legacy with the Heat played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s roster strategy. This article explores how Robinson’s contributions, both on and off the court, facilitated the acquisition of Powell and why the Heat owe him a debt of gratitude for their retooled 2025-26 roster.

Duncan Robinson’s Rise with the Heat

Duncan Robinson’s journey with the Miami Heat is a quintessential underdog story. Undrafted out of Michigan in 2018, Robinson signed a two-way contract with the Heat and quickly became a fan favorite due to his elite shooting ability. Over his six seasons with Miami, he developed into one of the NBA’s premier sharpshooters, setting the franchise record for career three-point makes. His movement shooting, quick release, and ability to stretch defenses made him a valuable asset in Erik Spoelstra’s system, particularly during the Heat’s 2020 NBA Finals run.

Robinson’s impact went beyond his on-court performance. His work ethic, professionalism, and willingness to embrace a role-player mentality embodied the “Heat Culture” that has defined the franchise under Pat Riley. By the 2024-25 season, Robinson was averaging 10.3 points per game and shooting 39.2% from three, serving as a reliable floor-spacer alongside stars like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. However, his $90 million contract, signed in 2021, became a point of contention as the Heat faced luxury tax constraints and sought to upgrade their roster.

The Trade That Shook Miami

In the 2025 offseason, the Heat made a bold move by trading Robinson to the Detroit Pistons in a sign-and-trade deal that brought Simone Fontecchio to Miami. This trade, finalized just before the Powell deal, was a critical step in reshaping the Heat’s roster. Robinson’s departure was bittersweet for Heat fans, as he had been a homegrown talent who embodied the team’s ethos. However, the move freed up salary cap space and addressed Miami’s need for a more versatile wing player in Fontecchio, who offered defensive upside and similar shooting prowess.

The Robinson trade was not just about acquiring Fontecchio; it was a strategic maneuver to position the Heat for bigger moves. By moving Robinson’s contract, Miami created the financial flexibility needed to absorb Powell’s $20.5 million salary for the 2025-26 season. Without shedding Robinson’s deal, the Heat would have been hard-pressed to navigate the NBA’s luxury tax apron and execute the three-team trade with the Clippers and Jazz. In essence, Robinson’s departure was the domino that set the Powell acquisition in motion.

Why Norman Powell Was the Target

Norman Powell, a 32-year-old veteran guard, was coming off a career-best season with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2024-25. Averaging 21.8 points per game and shooting 41.8% from three, Powell established himself as one of the NBA’s most efficient scoring guards. His ability to create his own shot, attack the rim, and knock down catch-and-shoot threes made him an ideal fit for a Heat team that ranked 24th in the league in points per game the previous season. The loss of Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors in a blockbuster trade and Robinson’s departure to Detroit left Miami desperate for perimeter firepower, and Powell filled that void perfectly.

Powell’s skill set complements Miami’s core of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Unlike Robinson, who was primarily a spot-up shooter, Powell offers a more dynamic offensive package. He can score off the dribble, finish through contact, and thrive in transition, all while maintaining elite three-point shooting efficiency (44.9% on catch-and-shoot threes over the past seven seasons). His addition addresses Miami’s offensive shortcomings and provides a veteran presence to guide a relatively young roster.

The Three-Team Trade Breakdown

The trade that brought Powell to Miami was a masterclass in roster management by Pat Riley and the Heat’s front office. In exchange for Powell, the Heat sent Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson to the Utah Jazz, while the Clippers received John Collins and sent a 2027 second-round pick to Utah. From Miami’s perspective, the trade was a low-risk, high-reward deal. Love, a five-time All-Star and NBA champion, had been relegated to a bench role in 2024-25, averaging just 5.3 points in 23 games. Anderson, acquired midseason, was a fringe rotation player, averaging 6.7 points in 25 games. Neither player was expected to move the needle significantly for the Heat in the upcoming season.

By contrast, Powell’s scoring prowess and versatility represent a significant upgrade. His ability to play both on and off the ball aligns with Spoelstra’s positionless basketball philosophy, and his playoff experience—highlighted by his role in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run—adds a layer of toughness to Miami’s backcourt. The trade also allowed the Heat to maintain their core assets, including Herro, Adebayo, and rookie Kasparas Jakucionis, while addressing a critical need for scoring.

Robinson’s Indirect Influence on the Trade

While Robinson was not directly involved in the Powell trade, his departure was a prerequisite for making it happen. The Heat’s front office faced a delicate balancing act in the 2025 offseason. With Butler’s trade to Golden State and Robinson’s move to Detroit, Miami was in danger of losing its offensive identity. However, these moves also provided the financial and roster flexibility needed to pursue a player like Powell.

Robinson’s contract, while reasonable for a player of his caliber, was a significant cap hit for a team operating near the luxury tax line. By trading him for Fontecchio, whose contract was more manageable, the Heat opened the door to absorb Powell’s salary without exceeding the first apron of the luxury tax. This financial maneuvering was critical, as the Heat were within $4 million of the tax threshold after the trade. Without Robinson’s departure, Miami would have struggled to make the numbers work.

Moreover, Robinson’s role as a three-point specialist indirectly highlighted the need for a more versatile scoring option. While Robinson was exceptional at stretching defenses, his defensive limitations and reliance on catch-and-shoot opportunities made him a one-dimensional player in certain matchups. Powell, by contrast, offers a broader skill set, capable of creating offense in multiple ways. The Heat’s front office likely saw Powell as a player who could replicate Robinson’s shooting while adding dimensions that the former Michigan standout lacked.

The Heat’s New-Look Offense

With Powell in the fold, the Heat’s offense is poised for a transformation in the 2025-26 season. Last season’s struggles—ranking 24th in points per game—were a wake-up call for a team that prided itself on grit and defensive tenacity. Powell’s arrival, coupled with Fontecchio’s addition and the continued development of Herro and Adebayo, gives Miami a more balanced and explosive attack. Powell’s ability to score at all three levels will alleviate pressure from Herro, who has often been tasked with carrying the offensive load. Meanwhile, Adebayo’s playmaking from the center position will create open looks for Powell and Fontecchio on the perimeter.

The Heat also benefit from Powell’s durability and consistency. Despite missing some time due to injuries in 2024-25, he played 60 games and posted career highs in points (21.8), three-pointers made (179), and minutes (32.6). His 40% career three-point shooting percentage ensures that Miami’s spacing issues will be addressed, particularly in the absence of Robinson, who was the team’s all-time leader in threes.

The Emotional Weight of Robinson’s Departure

For Heat fans, losing Duncan Robinson was more than just a roster move—it was the end of an era. Robinson’s rise from an undrafted free agent to a cornerstone of Miami’s rotation was a testament to the team’s player development system. His tireless work ethic and infectious energy made him a beloved figure in South Beach. However, the business of the NBA often requires tough decisions, and Robinson’s trade was a necessary sacrifice to position the Heat for future success.

Robinson himself acknowledged the bittersweet nature of his departure, posting on social media, “Thank you, Miami, for everything. On to the next chapter.” His move to Detroit offers him a fresh start with a young, rebuilding Pistons team, where he can continue to showcase his shooting prowess. For the Heat, though, Robinson’s legacy lives on in the form of the roster flexibility that enabled the Powell trade.

Why the Heat Won the Trade

Analysts across the NBA have praised the Heat’s acquisition of Powell as a steal. According to Heat Nation, the trade was a “low-risk, high-reward” deal, as Miami gave up two players who were unlikely to significantly impact the 2025-26 season. Sports Illustrated noted that Powell “almost fills the offensive hole” left by Robinson and Butler, highlighting his ability to score efficiently and complement Herro in the backcourt. CBS Sports gave the Heat an A- grade for the trade, citing Powell’s career-year performance and his fit within Miami’s offensive ecosystem.

The trade’s success is not just about Powell’s on-court contributions. By moving Love and Anderson, the Heat avoided long-term financial commitments to players who were no longer central to their plans. Love, whose contract expires after the 2025-26 season, and Anderson, a journeyman forward, were expendable in the context of Miami’s broader goals. In contrast, Powell’s $20.5 million salary for 2025-26 is a bargain for a player of his caliber, and his eligibility for a three-year, $80.6 million extension gives the Heat flexibility to retain him long-term.

Looking Ahead: Powell and the Heat’s Future

As the Heat prepare for the 2025-26 season, Norman Powell stands as a cornerstone of their revamped roster. His arrival signals a shift toward a more dynamic, offense-first approach, while still maintaining the defensive grit that defines Heat Culture. With Powell, Herro, Adebayo, and Fontecchio leading the way, Miami has the pieces to compete in a loaded Eastern Conference.

Duncan Robinson’s role in this transformation cannot be overstated. His contributions on the court laid the foundation for Miami’s success, and his trade provided the financial and strategic flexibility needed to acquire Powell. While Robinson may no longer wear a Heat jersey, his impact on the franchise endures. As Miami embarks on a new chapter, they have Duncan Robinson to thank for helping them land Norman Powell—a player who could redefine their future.